RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. and BETHESDA, Md.—VSP Global has made an investment in RightEye LLC, an innovative company that is pioneering the use of eye-tracking technology to improve patient care and vision performance. A VSP spokesperson declined to say how large the company’s stake in RightEye is.

RightEye’s vision tests are game-based, requiring users to sit and follow graphics on a screen, from tracking a dot around a circle to identifying and blowing up aliens invading the Earth. The company’s cloud-based software then interprets the interactions and generates an instant report with details on visual speed and accuracy, visual processing, depth perception, dry eye and more. (Click here to see a video demonstration of RightEye’s Maze Master game.)

“We know patients seek out doctors in private practice optometry for an eye exam because of the personalized, high-quality care they receive. We also know that VSP network doctors are interested in technology that could lead to better patient engagement and retention,” said VSP Global board member Matthew Alpert, OD. “A tool like RightEye creates an opportunity to further strengthen that doctor-patient experience, while continuing to underscore the value that eyecare plays in an individual’s life.”

RightEye’s roster of customers includes hospitals, the U.S. military, Major League Baseball and over 100 independent optometrists across the country. Approximately 50 VSP network doctors currently utilize the RightEye technology in their practices.

“We look forward to working closely with VSP to bring our solutions for vision testing and training to a broad base of the vision care and pediatric communities,” said Adam Gross, RightEye CEO and co-founder. “We’re excited to offer independent eyecare providers additional tools for them to consider that have the potential to enhance service to patients and grow their practices.”

The partnership is one of several efforts underway in VSP Global’s innovation lab, The Shop, designed to test and identify new tools, solutions and opportunities for independent optometry. As part of the agreement, VSP Global has secured a seat on RightEye’s board of directors to better articulate the interests of private practice optometry. While timelines are established over the coming months, The Shop and RightEye will conduct ethnographic research with VSP network doctors to identify needs and potential product pathways.

Vision Monday named RightEye’s co-founder and chief science officer, Melissa Hunfalvay, PhD, as one of the Most Influential Women in Optical in 2017.